American-style football

ABSTRACT

An American-style football configured for direct contact with a user&#39;s hands. The football includes an inflatable prolate spheroidal shaped bladder, at least first, second, third and fourth cover panels collectively positioned over the bladder, and a lacing coupled to the first and fourth cover panels. The cover panels are formed of a natural leather and include a pebbled texture. Each of the first, second, third and fourth cover panels have an outer surface that defines cover panel outer surface areas. At least one of the cover panels includes a prep gauge portion and a non-prep gauge portion. The prep gauge portion extends over at least 5 percent, and less than 80 percent, of the outer surface area of the at least one of the cover panels. The non-prep gauge portion has a first color and the prep gauge portion has a second color that is darker than the first color.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/982,957 filed on May 17, 2018 andentitled LEATHER GAME BALL COVER INCLUDING GHOSTED ALPHANUMERIC AND/ORGRAPHICAL INDICIA, which claims the benefit of the filing date under 35U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/507,906 filed on May 18, 2017, the full disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an American-style football.In particular, the present invention relates to applying alphanumericand/or graphical indicia via a ghosting process to the surface of aleather American-style football. The present invention also relates toan American-style football having a plurality of cover panels and atleast one of the cover panels includes a prep gauge portion. The presentinvention further relates to an American-style football including fingergrip zone elements configured for engaging the fingertips of the hand ofthe user to facilitate the grasping and throwing of the football.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inflatable game balls, such as footballs, basketballs, volleyballs andsoccer balls, are well known and typically include an inner inflatableair bladder and an outer cover. The cover can be formed of one or morecover panels. The outer cover of footballs and other types of game ballsalso typically include trademarks, symbols and logos. Leather game ballshave existed for several decades. In football and basketball, as in manyother sports, the gripping and tactile characteristics of the ball canconsiderably affect the performance of the participating players. Inparticular, the tactile characteristics of the outer surface of the gameball significantly effect the player's ability to catch, pass orotherwise control the ball accurately and reliably.

Many existing leather game balls use lasers or branding techniques toadd indicia to the outer surface of the leather game balls. Suchexisting techniques for applying indicia to the outer surface of leathergame balls have the effect of making the outer surface of the coverpanel less grip-able or more slippery at these locations. When a coverpanel undergoes a conventional laser, branding or other thermal and/orchemical process to apply indicia, the outer surface of the leather gameball is typically burnt, damaged and/or otherwise destroyed, thesedamaged areas typically are far more slippery or significantly lessgrip-able than regions of the leather game ball cover that has notundergone such damaging process. Accordingly, existing leather gamesballs having indicia that is applied to the outer surface of the ballthrough laser techniques, branding or other thermal applicationstypically result in severely reducing the performance characteristics ofthe leather game balls at the locations of the indicia, in particular aplayer's ability to grip, pass, catch, hold, control, shoot and/orhandle the leather game ball.

In an effort to avoid the destructive laser, branding or other thermaltechniques, in many instances labels or decals are applied over theouter surface of the leather game ball. The use of additional labelsand/or decals typically results in similar reduction in the grip-abilityof the leather game ball. The additional labels and/or decals can add tothe cost of the ball. Further, many such labels and/or decals can peel,flake, or wear away over time.

Due to the many negative characteristics of applying graphical and/oralphanumeric indicia to the outer surface of a leather game ball asdiscussed above, the use of such indicia is typically minimally appliedto the outer surface of the ball. Typically, such indicia is onlyapplied to a portion of the cover, or just to a portion of one or twocover panels thereby limiting the surface area of the game ball thatincludes the indicia.

High end, game quality American-style footballs are typically formedwith a leather cover formed of a plurality of cover panels. Manyorganized teams use detailed and often complex, time-consumingprocedures to “break-in” the leather cover panels to make the leatherfootball more playable and more grip-able for the players. Many teamsassign interns or equipment managers who perform a number of differentbreak-in procedures.

American-style footballs include a lacing that can be useful for theplacement of one or more finger-tips of the user to facilitate passingof the football. American-style footballs for many levels of competitiveplay also typically include strips, which depending on theirconstruction can also be useful for facilitating the grasping andthrowing of the football. However, existing footballs does not havestructure for engaging all of the fingertips of the player. As a result,a player's ability to properly grasp and throw the football may becompromised due to one or more of the player's fingertips engaging onlythe outer surface of the cover panel, which in some instances may be aslick surface.

Thus, there is a need for applying alphanumeric and/or graphical indiciato the outer surface of a leather game ball that does not negativelyaffect the performance, grip and/or playability of the leather gameball. What is needed is a technique to apply such indicia to the outersurface of a leather game ball in a manner that is durable and does notadd significant additional cost to the production of the leather gameball. What is needed is a technique for applying alphanumeric and/orgraphical indicia to the outer surface of a leather game ball that doesnot alter or improves the gripping and tactile characteristics, orfrictional interaction with the hands of a user, without deviating orradically departing from the ball's traditional design and organizedplay equipment requirements. It would be advantageous to provide aleather football that is configured to assist a player, equipmentmanager or coach in breaking in the football. It would also beadvantageous to provide a football that would provide structure toimprove the player's ability to grasp and throw the football.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top, side perspective view of an American-style football inaccordance with an example implementation of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the football of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom, side perspective view of the football of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the football of FIG. 1

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of an American-style football inaccordance with another example implementation of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an American-style football inaccordance with another example implementation of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top side perspective view of a leather cover panel of thefirst color of a football with one half of the cover panel treated witha laser ghosting process and the other half of cover panel untreated bythe laser ghosting process.

FIG. 8 is a top side perspective view of a leather cover panel of thesecond color of a football with one half of the cover panel treated witha laser ghosting process and the other half of cover panel untreated bythe laser ghosting process.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a template for receiving a pair of leather coverpanels for use during a laser ghosting process.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the template of FIG. 9 with two untreatedleather cover panels inserted within the template.

FIG. 11 is a representation of graphical indicia to be applied to thepair of leather cover panels of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates the application of the graphical indicia shown inFIG. 11 on to the pair of cover panels of FIG. 10 during the laserghosting process using digital laser material processing.

FIG. 13 is a top side perspective view of a test set up for conducingstatic coefficient of friction tests of leather cover panels sections.

FIGS. 14 through 23 are close-up top views of the outer surface of coverpanels of game balls having pebble-like projections with differentshaped projections.

FIG. 24 is a close-up, top perspective view of a cover panel including apebbled texture with a plurality of spaced apart pebble-like projectionsextending from a base region and illustrating the establishment of abase plane.

FIG. 25 is a close-up, top perspective view of a pebble-like projectionwith a representation of pebble-like projection height measurementstaken on the top surface of one of the pebble-like projections.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the cover panelof FIG. 24 illustrating the base plane and the measurement of the heightof the pebble-like projection.

FIG. 27 is an exploded end view of the football of FIG. 1.

FIG. 28A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cover of thefootball taken about line 28A-28A of FIG. 27.

FIG. 28B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cover of thefootball taken about line 28B-28B of FIG. 27 in accordance with analternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cover of thefootball taken about line 28C-28C of FIG. 27 in accordance with analternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cover of thefootball taken about line 28D-28D of FIG. 27 in accordance with analternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a top side perspective view of a football in accordance withanother implementation of the present invention.

FIGS. 30A and 30B are top views of first and second cover panels of thefootball of FIG. 29.

FIGS. 31 and 32 are opposing end views of the football of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33 is a top side perspective view of the football of FIG. 29illustrating a quarterback's fingertip grip locations.

FIG. 34 is a top view of the football of FIG. 29.

FIG. 35 is a bottom view of the football of FIG. 29.

FIG. 36A is an enlarged view of a portion of the outer surface of thefootball taken from circle 36A of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36B is a side cross-sectional view of the cover panel along line36B-36B of FIG. 36A.

FIGS. 36C and 36D are side cross-sectional views of a cover panel inaccordance with alternative implementations of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED IMPLEMENTATIONS

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, an American football is indicatedgenerally at 10. The football 10 is one example of an inflatable leathergame ball. The present invention is also directly applicable to otherinflatable game balls, such as, for example, basketballs, volleyballs,soccer balls and rugby balls. The game balls are configured to becontacted directly by the hands of one or more users, although the gameballs can also be used by one or more gloved users.

The football 10 is a generally prolate spheroidal-shaped inflatableobject having a major longitudinal dimension and a minor transversedimension. The football 10 includes a cover 12, an inflatable bladder14, a lacing 16, a plurality of stripes 18 and a plurality of logos 20.The cover 12 is a prolate spheroidal-shaped outer body preferably formedfrom first, second, third and fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 thatare joined to one another along longitudinal seams 30. The longitudinalseam 30 connecting the first and second cover panels 22 and 24 includesa longitudinally extending slot 32. In one implementation, the football10 also includes a lining (not shown) that is a layer of strong, durablematerial positioned over the inflatable bladder 14 and beneath the coverpanels 22, 24, 26 and 28. The second cover panel 24 includes a valveaperture 34 for receiving a valve 36 of the bladder 14. In alternativepreferred implementations, the cover 12 can be formed of a single pieceor of two, three, five or other numbers of cover panels. The cover 12provides the ball 10 with a durable and grip-able outer surface.

The cover 12 is made of leather from animal rawhide and skin such as,for example, calf leather, lamb leather or pig leather. Every piece ofleather is unique. The quality and characteristics of leather vary fromanimal to animal, and from locations on the same animal. Some leathersamples, even from the same animal, can be stronger and more durablethan other samples. Some leather samples may be stiffer and othersamples may be more flexible or resilient. Some leather samples may havea softer feel than others may have a harder feel. For example, leathertaken from the shoulder or spine areas of calves can be considered to beof a higher quality than leather taken from other locations on calvesdue to the softness, thickness, durability of the rawhide and/or skin.Leather undergoes a tanning process whereby the skin and hides ofanimals are processed to add color as desired, and to make theskins/hides more durable and less susceptible to decomposition. In thecase of leather game balls, such as footballs, the leather can also beprocessed to include a pebbled texture.

An outer surface 38 of the cover 12 or cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28,preferably includes a pebbled texture for enhancing the grip andimproving the aesthetics of the football 10. The pebbled textureincludes a plurality of pebble-like prominences or projections 40 thatare preferably convex, rounded and spaced apart from one another. Theterm “pebbled texture” refers to a surface having a plurality of theprojections 40 separated by valleys or indentations. As discussedfurther below, the pebble-like projections 40 can take a variety ofdifferent shapes. The area between the spaced apart projections 40 is abase area or a series of valleys 80. The pebble-like projections 40extend outward from the base area or valleys 80. In one implementation,the pebble-like projections 40 have a height, measured with respect toadjacent valleys or indentations, within the range of 0.1 to 0.7 mm(0.004 to 0.0275 inch). In another implementation, the pebble-likeprojection 40 have a height, measured with respect to adjacent valleysor indentations, within the range of 0.17 to 0.5 mm (0.0067 to 0.0197inch). In another implementation, the pebble-like projections 40 have aheight, measured with respect to adjacent valleys or indentations, of atleast 0.006 inch.

The cover 12 is configured to surround and enclose the internalcomponents of the football 10, which in one implementation can includethe bladder 14 and the lining. In other implementations, the internalcomponents can include the bladder, the valve, a layer of windings, alayer of molded rubber, a padding layer, the lining or combinationsthereof. The slot 32 between the first and second cover panels 22 and 24is used for allowing the bladder to be inserted within the cover panelsduring manufacture. The lacing 16 retains the first and second coverpanels 22 and 24 and closes the slot 32. The lacing 16 also providesraised surfaces for a player to contact when passing, catching orholding onto the football 10. In another implementation, the cover 12can be formed without a slot between two adjacent cover panels.

The plurality of logos 20 can includes trademarks, symbols or otherforms of alphanumeric and/or graphical indicia, such as for example, the“WILSON®” trademark. In one implementation, the logos 20 are formed formone or more layers of decals, foils, coatings, stickers, or overlaysthat is/are applied to the outer surface 38 of the cover 12. The logos20 can be attached to the cover 12 through an adhesive, thermal bonding,chemical bonding or other conventional application techniques. Inanother implementation, the logos 20 can be applied using a branding,laser or other destructive technique that forms the logo 20 by burning,burning off, melting away or otherwise destroying the outer surface 14of the cover 12 to form one or more recesses in the cover 12. Both formsof logos 20, those applied as an additional layer or those destructivelyformed into the outer surface of the cover 12 both alter the outersurface 14 of the cover 12. Typically, the ball 10 containing logos 20is less grip-able in the location of the logo 20. In some instances, adecal or overlay applied to the outer surface of the ball 10 can providea similar or even improved grip-ability to the ball. However, suchdecals or overlays can increase the cost, the manufacturing complexity,the weight, and/or the balance of the ball 10, and can also prematurelywear or peel reducing the durability and aesthetics of the ball 10.

As stated above, logos 20 that are applied via laser, branding or otherthermal bonding techniques generally include destroying, removing and/orcompressing the portion of the cover panel to which such logos 20 areapplied. Such laser, branding or thermal bonding logos 20 createrecesses 82 within the outer surface 38 of the cover panel 22. Therecesses can have a depth of at least 0.005 inch. One example of such arecess is the indicia labeled “COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF” on cover panel22. Applicant has measured the depth of recesses caused by laserapplication of logos and thermal bonding or branding techniques.Applicant worked with Assurance Technologies, Inc. (“ATI”) of Bartlett,Ill., an accredited lab that provides calibration services, dimensionalinspection services, and testing services, to measure the depth of suchlogos applied to a cover panel of a football. ATI utilized a Micro VuExcel Automated Vision Measuring Machine produced by Micro-VuCorporation of Windsor, Calif. to measure the depth of the recessesformed by such logos. Measurements of three separate laser applied andthermal branding logos was taken and the depth measured with respect tothe base or valley 80 was 0.00803, 0.00935 and 0.00987 with an accuracywithin 0.00009 inch. Accordingly, logos 20 produced via a conventionallaser or via thermal bonding or branding create recesses 82 that extendinto the cover panel 22 below the level or relative height of thevalleys 82 between the pebble-like projections 40 of at least 0.005inch. The recesses 82 extend inward from the valleys 80 and thepebble-like projections 40 project outward (in an opposite direction)from the valleys 80.

Referring to FIG. 3, the inventors have identified a laser ghostingprocess that enables alphanumeric and/or graphical indicia, such asindicia 50, to be applied to the outer surface 38 of the cover 12without negatively affecting the performance, playability, grip-ability,durability and/or reliability of the ball 10. Laser treatment of surfacematerials is known and involves essentially burning or destroying thesurface of the material receiving the laser treatment. Lasers have beenused on footballs in the past and such laser action involves burning ordestroying the outer surface of the leather including burning away ordestroying any pebble-like projections that may be originally present onthe leather material prior to application of the laser treatment. Asstated above, conventional laser techniques for applying indicia to aleather game ball creates recesses that inwardly extend into the coverfrom the outer surface of the ball directly adjacent to the locationwhere the conventional laser was applied.

Accordingly, given the well-known destructive nature of laser treatment,one of skill in the art would not consider the use of lasers to formindicia on the surface of a leather ball in a manner that would notnegatively alter the performance characteristics of the leather ball.Leather footballs have existed for many decades, and leather footballshave also been subjected to laser treatment to burn in logos or otherindicia for decades. Contrary to conventional practice, the inventorsbegan an extensive effort to explore other potential uses of lasertreatment. After significant effort and numerous failures, the inventorsidentified and discovered a laser ghosting process that enables indicia50 to be applied to the outer surface 38 of a cover of a leather ballhaving pebble-like projections that does not negatively affect theperformance characteristics of the football including grip-ability andplayability. The laser ghosting process can be applied to the outersurface 38 of the leather cover 12 having the pebble-like projections 40without negatively altering the grip-ability, playability, performance,reliability or durability of the ball 10. The ghosting process enablesvirtually any form of alphanumeric and/or graphical indicia 50 to beapplied to the outer surface 38 of the leather cover 12 withoutincreasing the weight of the ball 10, without affecting the balance ofthe ball 10, and without affecting the performance of the football. Thelaser ghosting process involves a specific low power application oflaser energy to the outer surface 14 of the ball 12 that creates achange in the color of the outer surface 14 but does not negativelyaffect the performance characteristics of the outer surface 14 includingthe static coefficient of friction values of the outer surface (whichcorrelates to the grip-ability of the ball) and/or the height of thepebble-like projections on the outer surface. The inventors haveidentified that in one implementation, the ghosting process for applyingthe indicia to the outer surface 38 of the cover 12 of the ball 10 doesnot alter the height of the pebble-like projection 40 when comparing thepebble-height in areas that did not receive the laser ghosting processversus areas that did receive the laser ghosting process. In otherimplementations, the inventors have identified that the laser ghostingprocess reduces the height of the pebble like projections 40 by lessthan 10 percent. In another implementation, the inventor have identifiedthat the laser ghosting process reduces the height of the pebble-likeprojections 40 by less than 5 percent when compared to regions of thecover panel that did not receive the laser ghosting process. As such,inventors have identified that the grip-ability and therefore theability of a player to hold, grab, retain, pass, throw, pitch, lateral,catch and run with the ball 10 is not affected or significantly reducedby application of the laser ghosting process.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, other example implementations of indicia 50applied to the outer surface 38 of the cover 12 (and cover panels 26 and28) having the pebble-like projections 36 of the ball 10 using the laserghosting process are shown. FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 illustrate the variety ofindicia 50 that can be applied to the leather cover 12 havingpebble-like projections 36. The indicia 50 can be alpha characters, suchas “UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN”, a logo, such as “Bucky the Badger”, or animage. The indicia 50 can vary in size and shape, and can be continuousor spaced apart about the outer surface 14 of the leather cover 12. Thecover 12 as a whole, and each of the cover panels 26, 28, 22 and 24 hasouter surface areas. The indicia 50 can be applied to a first portion ofthe cover 12 or to one or more of the cover panels 26, 28, 22 and 24. Inone implementation, the alphanumeric and/or graphical indicia 50 extendsover at least one third (33%) of the outer surface area of at least oneof the cover panels 26, 28, 22 or 24. In another implementation, thealphanumeric and/or graphical indicia 50 extends over at least one half(50%) of the outer surface area of at least one of the cover panels 26,28, 22 or 24. Further, in another implementation, the alphanumericand/or graphical indicia 50 extends over at least two-thirds (66%) ofthe outer surface area of at least one of the cover panels 26, 28, 22 or24. In other implementations, the indicia 50 can extend over at least75% or 90% of the outer surface area of the cover panels 26, 28, 22 or24. Additionally, in other implementations, the indicia 50 can extendover two or more of the cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28, and the indiciacan extend over at least 25%, 33%, 50%, 66% or 75% of the outer surfacearea of the cover 12 as a whole.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the laser ghosting process is shown beingapplied to one half of two separate leather cover panels 28, such that afirst portion 60 of the cover panel 28 is treated with the laserghosting process to form a solid pattern of the indicia 50 over one halfof the cover panel 28, and a second portion 62 of the cover panel 28 isformed without the indicia and without any laser ghosting treatment. Theleather cover panel 28 of FIG. 7 is formed of a first color or pigment,and the leather cover panel 28 of the FIG. 8 is a second color orpigment, that is different and lighter than the first color. The halfand half ghosting pattern of FIGS. 7 and 8 was utilized when preparingtest specimens for measuring the performance characteristics of thefirst portion 60 of one of the cover panels 28 compared to the secondportion 62. Obtaining two test specimens from the same cover panel 28helps to reduce or eliminate the variability between pieces of leather(animal to animal, and location to location on a particular animal).Here, the first portion 60 that received the laser ghosting process iscompared with the second portion 62 that is formed without the laserghosting process. Therefore, the source leather for each pair of testspecimens is prepared from the same leather sample from the same animaland the same location on the animal.

FIGS. 9 through 11 illustrate a template 64 for receiving and retaininga pair of the leather cover panels 28 during digital laser materialprocessing. The template 64 includes two cover panel recesses 66 forreceiving the pair of cover panels 28. The template 64 is configured foruse with a laser platform such as laser platform model VLS3.60 producedby Universal Laser Systems of Scottsdale, Ariz. FIG. 9 illustrates thetemplate 64 prior to receiving the pair of cover panels 28. FIG. 10illustrates the template 64 with the pair of cover panels 28 positionedwithin the recesses 66 of the template 64, prior to application of thelaser ghosting process. FIG. 11 illustrates the template 64 with thepair of cover panels 28 including indicia 50 applied to the pair ofcover panels 28 by the laser ghosting process using the laser platform.

FIG. 12 is an image of the laser ghosting process being applied to thepair of cover panels 28 positioned within the template 64. The laserghosting process includes use of a laser, such as a 30 Watt CO₂ lasersource, operating in a rastering mode in which a laser control head (orstylus) 70 travels at a speed of 50 in/sec at a power level of 25percent. In one implementation, a 25 percent power level refers to theapplication of laser energy 30 Watt energy source at 25 percent timeframe or duration. In another implementation, the 35 percent power levelcan refer to a 7.5 Watt power source. In one implementation, the lasercontrol head 70 travels at a speed within the range of 40-60 in/sec andthe power level is within the range of 20 to 30 percent. The imagedensity setting can be set at a setting of 1 on the Universal LaserSystem, model VLS 3.60, and the pulses per inch (PPI) can be set to 150PPI. In one implementation, the distance from the laser control head tothe outer surface 38 of the cover panel 28 is within the range of 0.070and 0.090 inch. In one implementation, the distance from the lasercontrol head 70 to the outer surface 38 of the cover panel 28 is 0.080inch. The distance from the laser control head 70 to the outer surface14 of the control panel 28 can be set using a focus tool, whereby thedistance is adjusting until the desired focus area or beam area isachieved.

The cover panels 28 of FIGS. 7 and 8 and other similarly treated coverpanels were used to obtain test specimens for the measurement of thecoefficient of friction of the first and second portions 60 and 62 ofthe cover panels 28. The test specimens prepared from the first andsecond portions 60 and 62 can be tested under ASTM Standard D 1894entitled “Standard Test Method for Static and Kinetic Coefficients ofFriction of Plastic Film and Sheeting” promulgated by ASTM Internationallocated at 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, Pa. 19428-2959.FIG. 13 illustrates an example test setup 90 for performing the staticcoefficient of friction measurement under ASTM Standard D1894. The ASTMStandard D1894 includes versions −01 and −14, and the ASTM StandardD1894 tests the static coefficient of friction of a material (or thetest specimen). The static coefficient of friction value correlates tothe grip-ability or grip quality of the surface being tested.

In accordance with ASTM Std. D 1894-14, material samples or specimensare preferably trimmed to 2.5″ width X 2.5″ length (or 2.5 inches by 2.5inches). A metal sled 96 is used having a size of approximately 2.5″length X 2.5″ width X 0.25″ thickness. The bottom of the sled 96 islined with a high density foam (having a nominal density of 0.25 g/cm³),and the material specimens are attached to the bottom of sled with forexample, a double faced tape. Prior to testing, the sled 96 is weighed.A plane or runway 98 formed of glass is also used, which is placed on toa supporting base. The runway 98 is cleaned with isopropyl alcohol anddried with a soft, lint-free cloth. The sled 96 with the specimen fromthe portion 60 or the portion 62 is pulled by a pulling device 92 and acord 94 of a fixed length across the runway 98 at a speed of 152.4 mmper minute for a total distance of 200 mm. The initial force to startsled movement and the average force from the 25 mm distance to the 175mm distance is recorded. The pulling device 92 can include forcemeasuring device is capable of measuring frictional force to +/−5% ofits value. The force measuring device can be a spring gage, a universaltesting machine, or a strain gage. The sled weight is then divided intothe force values (force values divided by the sled weight) to obtain theStatic and Kinetic Coefficient of Friction values at the respective sledpositions.

In an independent test conducted by ATI of Bartlett, Ill., Applicantsobtained static coefficient of friction values in accordance with ASTMStandard No. D1894-14, and as described above, for cover panel portionstreated with the laser ghosting process and cover panel portions nottreated with the laser ghosting process. A total of 12 test skids 96with separate test specimens on each skid 96 were prepared. The 12separate test specimens were obtained from three separate cover panels28 of a first color and three separate cover panels 28 of a secondcolor.

In this case, three of the cover panels 28 of the first color were ofthe same leather used to produce the Wilson® NFL® Official Football(“Pro Samples”). Each of these three Pro Sample cover panels were usedto produce three specimens from the first portions 60 (which have beentreated with the laser ghosting process), and three specimens from thesecond portions 62 (which were not treated with the laser ghostingprocess). Accordingly, the three Pro Samples were used to produce threepairs of test skids 96 and test specimens with each pair of testspecimens coming from the same Pro Sample cover panel 28 (one of thepair being treated with the laser ghosting process, and the other of thepair being untreated with the laser ghosting process). Additionally,another three of the cover panels 28 of the second color were of thesame leather used to produce the Wilson® GST® Footballs (“GSTSamples”)—a football configured for college games. Each of these threeGST Sample cover panels were used to produce three specimens from thefirst portions 60 of the GST Sample cover panels (which have beentreated with the laser ghosting process), and three specimens from thesecond portions 62 of the GST Sample cover panels (which were nottreated with the laser ghosting process). Accordingly, the three GSTSamples were used to produce three pairs of test skids 96 and testspecimens with each pair of test specimens coming from the same GSTSample cover panel 28 (one of the pair being treated with the laserghosting process, and the other of the pair being untreated with thelaser ghosting process). In addition to the 12 test skids 96 withleather test specimens, another skid was prepared with a smooth piece ofglass used in place of a leather test specimen

The results identified from testing the static coefficient of frictionof 12 leather cover panel test specimens and one glass specimendiscussed above in accordance with ASTM D1894-14 are shown below inTable 1.

TABLE 1 STATIC COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION Wilson ® Wilson ® Wilson ® NFL ®Wilson ® GST ® NFL ® Leather % GST ® Leather % Smooth Sample LeatherGame Ball Change Leather Game Ball Change Plate of No Game Ball(ghosted) COF Game Ball (ghosted) COF Glass 1 0.84 0.74 88.1% 0.9260.574 62.0% 0.03 2 0.76 0.46 60.5% 0.553 0.436 78.8% 3 0.88 0.53 60.2%0.814 0.494 60.7% Avg. 0.83 0.58 69.9% 0.764 0.501 65.6% 0.03

The static coefficient of friction test results demonstrate a slightreduction in the coefficient of friction values of the specimens treatedwith the laser ghosting process compared to the specimens that were nottreated with the laser ghosting process. The test specimens from theleather cover panels 28 of the first color (the NFL Samples) indicated areduction in coefficient of friction values of approximately 30 percentfrom the specimens treated with the laser ghosting process compared tothe specimens that were not treated with the laser ghosting process. Thetest specimens from the leather cover panels 28 of the second color (theGST Samples) indicated a reduction in coefficient of friction values ofapproximately 34 percent from the specimens treated with the laserghosting process compared to the specimens that were not treated withthe laser ghosting process. Accordingly, although the coefficient offriction values were slightly reduced with the laser ghosting treatmentindicating a slight reduction in gripability, the reduction is smallenough that it is not readily detectable by a player using the ball withungloved hands.

The first and second portions 60 and 62 of the cover panels 28 havefirst and second static coefficient of friction values, respectively,when measured in accordance with the standard test method for staticcoefficient of friction of ASTM D1894-14. The static coefficient offriction values of the first portions 60 of the cover panels 28 treatedwith the laser ghosting process that are at least 60 percent of thestatic coefficient of friction values of the second portions 62 of thecover panels 28. Additionally, the static coefficient of friction of thetest samples or specimens treated with the laser ghosting process wereat least 65 percent of the static coefficient of friction of the testsamples or specimens of not treated with the laser ghosting process.

In addition to measuring the static coefficient of friction values ofleather cover panel test specimens treated with the laser ghostingprocess compared to leather cover panel test specimens not treated withthe laser ghosting process, Applicant also obtained height measurementsof the pebble-like projections 40 of the pebbled texture on the outersurface 38 of cover 12 or cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28. Applicantworked with ATI of Bartlett, Ill. to measure the height of thepebble-like projections 40 on first portions of the cover 12 (or coverpanel) having alphanumeric and/or graphical indicia 50 applied by thelaser ghosting process and the height of pebble-like projections 40 onthe second portions of the cover 12 or cover panels formed without theindicia 50 and not treated by the laser ghosting process. ATI utilized aMicro Vu Excel Automated Vision Measuring Machine produced by Micro-VuCorporation of Windsor, Calif. to measure heights of the pebble-likeprojections. The accuracy of the height measurements using the Micro VuExcel Automated Vision Measuring Machine is within 0.00009 inch.

Referring to FIGS. 24 and 26, the process utilized with the Micro VuVision Measuring Machine included placing a cover panel 28 on ahorizontal surface with the outer surface 38 of the cover panel 28facing upward. Then, referring to FIG. 25, the relative position (orheight) of three points within the valley 80 surrounding one of thepebble-like projections 40 were measured. The three measured points ofthe valley 80 are then used to define a base plane 100. Referring toFIG. 24, the maximum height of a selected pebble-like projection 40 isobtained by selecting a rectangular area on the top surface of thepebble-like projection 40. The Micro Vu Vision Measuring Machine thenobtains dozens of position or height measurements of the selectedrectangular area. Each height measurement is indicated by a plus sign“+”. The largest value (greatest height) or relative distance betweenthe base plane 100 and the dozens of pebble-like projection heightmeasurements is selected as the maximum height of the pebble-likeprojection 40. Six pebble height measurements, as described above, weretaken on each portion of cover panels. 6 measurements of pebble-likeprojections 40 on a first portion of a cover panel 28 of an NFL Samplehaving indicia 50 applied via the laser ghosting process were taken. 6measurements of pebble-like projections 40 on a second portion of thecover panel 28 of the NFL Sample not having indicia 50 were taken. 6measurements of pebble-like projections 40 on a first portion of a coverpanel 28 of a GST Sample having indicia 50 applied via the laserghosting process were taken. 6 measurements of pebble-like projections40 on a second portion of the cover panel 28 of the GST Sample nothaving indicia 50 were taken. The results of the pebble-like projectionheight measurements are shown below in Table 2. FIG. 26 illustrates thepebble height of the example pebble-like projection 40 of FIG. 25.

TABLE 2 HEIGHT OF PEBBLES ON NON-GHOSTED GAME BALL V. GHOSTED GAME BALLWilson ® Wilson ® Wilson ® NFL ® Wilson ® GST ® Change NFL ® LeatherChange % GST ® Leather in Sample No./ Leather Game Ball in Pebble PebbleLeather Game Ball Pebble % Pebble Measurement Game Ball (ghosted) HeightHeight Game Ball (ghosted) Height Height No. (in.) (in.) (in.) Change(in.) (in.) (in.) Change 1/1 0.01592 0.01428 0.01259 0.01236 1/2 0.016250.01739 0.01170 0.01147 1/3 0.01632 0.01558 0.01108 0.01179 1/4 0.018090.01665 0.01113 0.01132 1/5 0.01774 0.01664 0.01229 0.01262 1/6 0.015350.01545 0.01178 0.01180 Sample 1 0.01661 0.01600 −0.00061 −3.7% 0.011760.01189 +0.00013 +1.1% Avg. 2/1 0.01682 0.01491 0.01631 0.01365 2/20.01554 0.01691 0.01585 0.01559 2/3 0.01616 0.01517 0.01400 0.01530 2/40.01587 0.01539 0.01566 0.01641 2/5 0.01635 0.01583 0.01696 0.01431 2/60.01713 0.01663 0.01595 0.01558 Sample 2 0.01631 0.01581 −0.00050 −3.1%0.01579 0.01514 −0.00065 −4.1% Avg. 3/1 0.01483 0.01333 0.00873 0.011623/2 0.01467 0.01374 0.00827 0.01050 3/3 0.01379 0.01353 0.00985 0.011293/4 0.01324 0.01151 0.01048 0.01160 3/5 0.01314 0.01415 0.01020 0.011473/6 0.01389 0.01396 0.01004 0.01093 Sample 3 0.01393 0.0134 −0.00053−3.8% 0.00960 0.01124 +0.00164 +14.6%  Avg.

The results of the height measurements of the pebble-like projections 40shown in Table 2 above illustrate that the change in height of thepebble-like projections from those treated with the laser ghostingprocess to those not treated with the laser ghosting process isnegligible or non-existent. A review of the change in height of thepebble-like projections 40 from the NFL Samples from pebble-likeprojection not treated with the laser ghosting process to those treatedwith the laser ghosting process is less than 4% (with average values of3.7%, 3.1% and 3.8%), or change in height of 0.0005 inch. Accordingly,the height of the pebble-like projections 40 of the NFL Samples treatedwith the laser ghosting process are at least 96% of the height of thepebble-like projections 40 of the NFL Samples not treated with the laserghosting process. Additionally, a review of the change in height of thepebble-like projections 40 from the GST Samples from pebble-likeprojection not treated with the laser ghosting process to those treatedwith the laser ghosting process shows no overall reduction. In fact, theaverage height of the pebble-like projections of 2 of the GST Samplestreated with the laser ghosting process were actually greater than theaverage height of the pebble-like projections of the portions of the GSTSamples not treated with the laser ghosting process, and the third GSTSample resulted in a height measurement decrease of 4.1%. The averagechange in height of the pebble like projection from treated tonon-treated is 0.00037 inch (in an increased direction). Accordingly,the height of the pebble-like projections 40 of the GST Samples treatedwith the laser ghosting process on average was no less than the heightof the pebble-like projections 40 of the GST Samples not treated withthe laser ghosting process.

Importantly, the application of alphanumeric and/or graphical indicia 50to the cover panels of leather cover panels using the laser ghostingprocess results in an insignificant change in the height of thepebble-like projections 40. The change in height due to the applicationof the indicia 50 using the laser ghosting process has a negligible orno effect on the height of the pebble-like projections. In contrast, asstated above, the application of conventional laser or thermal brandingtechniques for applying indicia result in entire removal of pebble-likeprojections and additionally further removal of material such thatrecesses 82 are formed in the cover panels. The recesses are at least0.005 inch with measured values of 0.00803, 0.00935 and 0.00987 inch.The application of the laser ghosting process retains the pebble-likeprojection to at least 96% of its original height (or greater).Conventional laser or branding eliminates or destroys the pebble-likeprojections entirely and also extends further inward removing ordestroying additional material by a dimension that is an order ofmagnitude greater than the dimension of the change in height of thepebble-like projections due to the laser ghosting process.

Accordingly, at least a first portion of the cover 12 can includealphanumeric and/or graphical indicia 50 applied by the laser ghostingprocess. A second portion of the cover can be formed without the indicia50. FIG. 26 illustrates an example pebble height h of one of thepebble-like projections 40. The average pebble height of a plurality ofthe pebble-like projections in the first portion of the cover is atleast 80 percent of the average height of a plurality of the pebble-likeprojections in the second portion of the cover. In anotherimplementation, the average pebble height of a plurality of thepebble-like projections in the first portion of the cover can be atleast 90 percent of the average height of a plurality of the pebble-likeprojections in the second portion of the cover. In anotherimplementation, the average pebble height of a plurality of thepebble-like projections in the first portion of the cover can be atleast 95 percent of the average height of a plurality of the pebble-likeprojections in the second portion of the cover.

Referring to FIGS. 14 through 23, the pebble-like projections 40 cantake a variety of different shapes, including, for example, a partiallyspherical shape, a hemi-spherical shape, a generally oval-shape, agenerally polygonal-shape, a frusto-conical shape, a conical shape, apyramid shape, a cylindrical shape, a truncated pyramid shape, a cubicshape, other irregular-shapes, and combinations thereof. Referring toFIG. 14, a pebble-like projection 40 a can have an irregular roundedshape. Referring to FIG. 15, a pebble-like projection 40 b can have acircular shape. Referring to FIG. 16, a pebble-like projection 40 c canhave an oval or elliptical shape. Referring to FIG. 17, a pebble-likeprojection 40 d can have a triangular shape. Referring to FIG. 18, apebble-like projection 40 e can have a triangular shape. Referring toFIG. 19, a pebble-like projection 40 f can have a triangular shape.Referring to FIG. 20, a pebble-like projection 40 g can have atriangular shape. Referring to FIGS. 21 through 23 in otherimplementations, the pebble-like projections can take other polygonalshapes, such as, for example, a pebble-like projection 40 h can have apentagonal shape, a pebble-like projection 40 i can have a hexagonalshape, and a pebble-like projection 40 j can have an octagonal shape. Inother implementations, combinations of the pebble-like projections 40 athrough 40 j can be used.

Referring to FIG. 27, the bladder 14 is preferably formed of twomultilayer sheets of flexible, airtight material that are bonded to eachother to form a bladder seam 59 through RF welding. The bladder seam 59is formed by the two sheets defines an expandable cavity within thebladder 14. The bladder seam 59 preferably extends generallylongitudinally about the football 10. In alternative embodiments, thebladder seam 59 can be one or more seams extending longitudinally,laterally, in a helical manner or other path about the bladder 14. Inanother preferred embodiments, the bladder can be seamless and formed ofa single or multi-layer sheet of material. The bladder 14 is preferablyformed of a polyester urethane or an ether urethane, but can also beformed of other materials including other urethanes, other polymericmaterials, rubber, vinyl, eva and combinations thereof. The location ofthe bladder seam 59 is also preferably positioned away, or angularlyspaced, from the longitudinal seam 30 of the cover 12 with respect to alongitudinal axis 88 of the football 10 so that the seam 32 and thebladder seam 58 do not directly overlay each other. Alternatively, thebladder seam 58′ can be rotated such that it is aligned with one or moreof the seams 30.

Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28A, one implementation of the football 10,including one of the cover panels 28, is illustrated. The cover panel 28along with the cover panels 22, 24 and 26 substantially enclose andprotect the bladder 14. In one implementation, the cover panel 28includes an outermost layer 39 that is formed of a durable, highlygrippable material, such as, for example, a natural leather.Alternatively, in other implementations, the outermost layer 38 can beformed of other materials, such as, pigskin or synthetic materials suchas a polyurethane, a synthetic leather, rubber, other syntheticpolymeric materials and/or combinations thereof. A lining 41 ispositioned adjacent to the inner surface of the outermost layer 39. Inone implementation, the lining 41 is bonded with an adhesive to theinner surface of the outer layer 39. In another implementation, thelining 41 is stitched to a portion of the outer layer 39. In otherimplementations, the lining 41 can be bonded, cured, stitched sewn,press-fit, and/or fastened to the outermost layer 39. In still otherembodiments, the lining 41 can be a separate layer unattached to theoutermost layer 39. The lining 41 is a layer of tough, durable materialthat increases the strength and durability of the football 10. Thelining 41 is preferably formed of one or more layers of woven fabric andone or more layers of polyvinylchloride that are cured together to forman impregnated fabric layer. Alternatively, the lining 41 can be formedof unwoven fabric, layers of fibers, rubber, a latex, ethyl vinylacetate (eva), other polymeric elastomeric materials and/or combinationsthereof. The lining 41 enables the football 10 to retain its desiredshape and firmness. Lace holes 43 can formed in the first and secondcover panels 22 and 24.

In alternative preferred embodiments, the cover 12 can have alternateconstructions and one or more of layers of different materials can beformed over the bladder 14 beneath the cover 12. Referring to FIGS. 28Bthrough 28D, alternative constructions of the cover 12 and additionallayers of the football 10 are shown. In FIG. 28B, the cover 12, asrepresented by the cover panel 28, is a multilayered structure includinga layer of windings 47 applied over the bladder 14 and a layer ofpadding 49 such as a sponge rubber layer formed over the layer ofwindings 47. Alternatively, other types or layers of padding materialscan be used such as foams, sponges, and/or fibrous materials. The lining41 can be formed of varying thicknesses or removed entirely. In FIG.28C, fabric layers 51 are sandwiched with layers of rubber 53 to form alining layer positioned over the bladder 14. A layer of padding 49 canbe positioned over the layers 51 and 53 and beneath the outermost layer39 and optionally a liner 41. In FIG. 28D, yet another construction isshown with a layer of padding 49 applied over the bladder 14 with lining41 and the outermost layer 39 positioned over the layer of padding 49.Accordingly, the present invention contemplates the construction of thefootball 10 surrounding the bladder 14 taking the form of anycombination of an outermost layer, a lining, one or more layers ofpadding, a winding layer, one or more fabric layers and one or morelayers of elastomeric material.

Referring to FIGS. 29 through 32, a football 110 is illustrated. Thefootball 110 is another implementation of the present invention and issubstantially similar to football 10 except the football 100 furtherincludes a prep gauge and a plurality of grip zone elements. Thefootball 110 includes the first, second, third and fourth cover panels22, 24, 26 and 28 having a pebbled texture including the plurality ofpebble-like projections 40. Each of the first, second, third and fourthcover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 has an outer surface that defines first,second, third and fourth cover panel outer surface areas, respectively.At least one of the first, second, third and fourth cover panels 22, 24,26 and 28 includes a prep gauge portion 112 and a non-prep gauge portion114. The prep gauge portion 112 is a portion of the cover panel outersurface area that includes a pretreated area that has a break-in color,tone and/or appearance that is darker than the color, tone and/orappearance of the non-prep gauge portion 114.

Leather footballs, such as football 110, are typically initiallyproduced with a leather outer surface that is relatively stiff and canbe often be somewhat slick due to the tanning process and the processused to form the pebbled texture. Newly produced leather footballs, suchas football 110, also typically include a protective coating that cannegatively affect the grip-ability of the football 110. As a result, itis very common for footballs used in organized play to be broken-in orprepped before use in actual games in order to make the outer surface ofthe cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 softer, easier to grip and generallymore playable. Players, equipment managers and/or coaches typicallyemploy several break-in or prep procedures in order to soften andbreak-in the leather football. The break-in or prep procedures canincludes a combination of break-in steps such as, for example, scrubbingthe leather outer cover of the football with a brush, soaking the balls,electric scrubbing of the outer cover of the football, extended use ofthe football in practice, and use of wax bars, wet towels, tack spraysand/or conditioners. The end result of such break-in procedures is thatthe leather football cover panels take on a darker color than the colorof the leather panels before application of the break-in procedures. Thebroken in or prepped out surface of the leather outer cover is alsogenerally softer and more grip-able than the original non-prepped ornon-broken in condition. The prepping or break in process involvesprogressively wearing or breaking down the leather outer surface of thefootball. As the leather outer surface of the footballs is prepped orbroken in, the color of the outer surface of the football becomesprogressively darker. One of the important challenges of the break-in orprepping process is not to over-wear or over break-in the football. Itis desired to perform the break-in or prepping procedures up until thepoint where the outer surface of the leather football becomessufficiently soft, grip-able and playable. Excessive application ofbreak-in procedures can result in excessive wearing away or breakingdown of the pebbled texture and/or the structural integrity of the outersurface of the leather cover panels. A football that is over-prepped orexcessively broken-in can develop a smooth, slick surface due to thewearing away of the pebbled texture and the outer surface of the coverpanels themselves. Accordingly, players, equipment managers and/orcoaches must take care not to over break-in or over prep the leatherfootballs.

The prep gauge portion 112 is a region of the cover panel 22, 24, 26 or28 that provides an indicator of when the football 110 is properlybroken in and the prepping or breaking in procedures can be stopped. Theprep gauge portion 112 is pretreated to include a prep color that isdarker than the color of the non-prep portion 114 of the outer surfaceof the cover panel 22, 24, 26 and 28. The color of the prep gaugeportion 112 provides the proper visual indicator to the player,equipment manager and/or coach of when the prep or break-in procedurescan be stopped. The prep gauge portion 112 also retains the pebbledtexture including the plurality of pebble-like projections 40. In oneimplementation, the average pebble height of the plurality of thepebble-like projections 40 in the prep gauge portion 112 of the first,second, third and/or fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 is at least80 percent of the average pebble height of the plurality of thepebble-like projections in the non-prep gauge portion of the first,second, third and/or fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28. In anotherimplementation, the average pebble height of the plurality of thepebble-like projections 40 in the prep gauge portion 112 of the first,second, third and/or fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 is at least90 percent of the average pebble height of the plurality of thepebble-like projections in the non-prep gauge portion of the first,second, third and/or fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28. In anotherimplementation, the average pebble height of the plurality of thepebble-like projections 40 in the prep gauge portion 112 of the first,second, third and/or fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 is at least95 percent of the average pebble height of the plurality of thepebble-like projections in the non-prep gauge portion of the first,second, third and/or fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28.

In another implementation, the prep gauge portion 112 and the non-prepgauge portion 114 of the at least one of the first, second, third andfourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 have first and second staticcoefficient of friction values, respectively, when measured inaccordance with the standard test method for static coefficient offriction of ASTM D1894-14. The static coefficient of friction value ofthe prep gauge portion is at least 60 percent of the static coefficientof friction value of the non-prep gauge portion. In anotherimplementation, the static coefficient of friction value of the prepgauge portion is at least 65 percent of the static coefficient offriction value of the non-prep gauge portion.

In one implementation, the prep-gauge portion 112 of the at least one ofthe first, second, third and fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 isformed using the laser ghosting process. In one implementation, theprep-gauge portion 112 extends over at least 5 percent, but less than 80percent, of the outer surface area of the at least one first, second,third and fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28. In anotherimplementation, the prep-gauge portion 112 extends over at least 10percent, but less than 50 percent, of the outer surface area of the atleast one first, second, third and fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and28. Similarly, the non-prep-gauges extends over at least 20 percent, butless than 95 percent, of the outer surface area of the at least onefirst, second, third and fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28. In oneimplementation, the prep-gauge portion 112 is formed on the outersurface of only one of the first, second, third and fourth cover panels22, 24, 26 and 28. In another implementation, the prep-gauge portion 112is formed on the outer surface of only two of the first, second, thirdand fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28. In other implementations, theprep-gauge portion 112 is formed on the outer surface of three or allfour of the first, second, third and fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and28. The football 110 includes the first and second cover panels 22 and24 including the prep gauge portion 112 and the third and fourth coverpanels 26 and 28 are formed without the prep gauge portion 112. Thefootball 110 can include at least one of the stripes 18. Each of thestripes can include first and second edges 116 and 118. In oneimplementation, as shown in FIGS. 29-32, each of the first and secondcover panels 16 and 18 includes two of the stripes 18, and the prepgauge portion extends alone The prep gauge portion 112 can be formed soas to surround the lacing 16. The prep gauge portion 112 can also beformed so as to extend along one or both of the first and second edges116 and 118 of at least one of the stripes 18. In other implementations,other combinations or extents of the prep-gauge portion 112 on thefirst, second, third and/or fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 can beused.

The prep gauge portion 112 on the football 110 is advantageouslypositioned to surround the lacing 16 and to extend along both of thefirst and second edges 116 and 118 of the stripes 18. As a result, theplayer, equipment manager and/or coach can focus his or her break-inand/or prep procedure efforts, particularly any brushing or scrubbingprocedures away from the lacing 18 and away from the stripes 18.Individuals experienced in breaking in or prepping leather footballsknow that it is important to take care during brushing, scraping orscrubbing procedures not to contact the lacing 16 or the stripes 18 soas not to damage the lacing 16 and/or the stripes 18. The prep gaugeportion 112 thereby provides a buffer zone between the non-prep gaugeportion 114 and the lacing 16 and/or the stripes 18 and helps preventinadvertent damage of the lacing 16 and/or the stripes 18 during theprep and/or break-in procedures. The prep gauge portion 112 helps aplayer, equipment manager and/or coach know when his or her football isready for game day.

Referring to FIGS. 33 through 35, the football 110 includes a pluralityof grip zone elements for improving a player's ability to grasp and/orpass the football 110. In the implementation of FIGS. 33 through 35, thefootball 110 includes an index fingertip grip zone element 120, a middlefingertip grip zone element 122, a ring finger grip zone element 124 anda pinky fingertip grip zone element 126. The index fingertip grip zoneelement 120, the middle fingertip grip zone element 122, the ring fingergrip zone element 124 are structural elements added to the football 110for providing gripping structure for the index finger, middle finger andring finger of most quarterbacks.

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. conducted a detailed examination of the handsize and grip placement on the football of the throwing hand of over 100quarterbacks. The quarterbacks included high school level quarterbacks,college level quarterbacks and professional NFL quarterbacks. From thisanalysis, Wilson Sporting Goods Co. identified a significant majority ofquarterbacks place their index fingers, middle fingers and ring fingersin locations on the football that previously lacked additional grippingstructure other than the pebbled texture of the outer surface of thecover panels. Using their analysis of the quarterback grip locations,Wilson Sporting Goods placed structural grip zone elements in thesethree areas to provide the quarterbacks with additional structural forcontact by the quarterback's index, middle and ring fingertips. Theresult is a football that is easier to grip, grasp, control and throw.Table 1 below illustrates a summary of the hand size data collected frommeasuring the hands of well over 100 quarterbacks. Table 2 belowillustrates the fingertip and thumb tip grip locations of over 100 highschool quarterbacks.

TABLE 1 QUARTERBACK HAND SIZE MEASUREMENT PROFESSIONAL COLLEGE HIGHSCHOOL Pinky Pinky Pinky Middle Middle Finger Middle Middle FingerMiddle Middle Finger Finger Finger to Thumb Finger Finger to ThumbFinger Finger to Thumb Length to Wrist Span Length to Wrist Span Lengthto Wrist Span Avg. 3.64 7.93 9.75 3.47 7.67 9.64 3.37 7.49 9.31 (in.)Std. 0.24 0.24 0.71 0.13 0.30 0.46 0.19 0.30 0.54 Dev.

TABLE 2 FINGERTIP GRIP LOCATIONS OF HIGH SCHOOL QUARTERBACKS IndexClocking Middle Clocking Ring Clocking Pinky Clocking Clocking Fingerabout Finger about Finger about Finger about Thumb about Z-Loc. Z-axisZ-Loc. Z-axis Z-Loc. Z-axis Z-Loc. Z-axis Z-Loc. Z-axis (in.) (deg.)(in.) (deg.) (in.) (deg.) (in.) (deg.) (in.) (deg.) 6.93 35.51 4.6925.45 3.28 14.48 1.82 340 to 15 5.04 212.46 0.47 41.57 0.47 6.38 0.405.44 0.52 0.67 9.63

Table 1 above illustrates that the average hand size of quarterbacksincrease in size from the high school level, to the college level andthen to the professional level. Table 2 above identified that theplacement locations of the fingertips of high school quarterbacks onfootballs. Referring to FIG. 34, the quarterback fingertip locationswere taken with respect to a transverse plane 150 extending along theend of the lacing 16 of the football 110. The Z dimensions were recordedfrom the transverse plane 150 in a direction extending parallel to alongitudinal axis, z, of the football 110 toward a first end 152 of thefootball 110. The quarterback tip locations were also recorded using aclocking measurement in degrees. The clocking measurements are takenwith respect or about the z-axis with the 0 degree position aligningwith the longitudinal dimension of the lacing 16. Accordingly, the indexfingertip grip locations have the largest z-dimension value, followed bythe thumb tip location, then the middle fingertip grip location, thering fingertip grip location, and the pinky fingertip location. Theclocking position of the index fingertip on the football 110 has a largeamount of variability with the most common location being at 35.51degrees. The middle fingertip and the ring fingertip grip locations weremuch more consistent with a relatively small amount of variability. Thepinky fingertip location also had a large amount of variability, butgenerally also fall on or directly adjacent to the lacing 16.Accordingly, the pinky fingertip location generally includes the lacing16 which provide structure for the quarterback to apply his pinky to inorder to improve his ability to throw the football well. Referring toFIG. 35, the thumb grip location occurs on the backside of the football110, and in particular, on the fourth cover panel 28. The thumb griplocations were also found to have a large degree of variability.

In one implementation, referring to FIGS. 35, 36A and 36B, the indexfingertip grip zone element 120 is a raised stitching applied throughthe leather cover panel 24 and extending along the first and secondcover panels 122 and 124 about an index fingertip plane 130. The indexfingertip grip zone element plane 130 is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the football 110 (the z-axis). The index fingertipgrip zone element 120 can extend as a stitching in a direction that isparallel to the longitudinal dimension of the stripe 18. In otherimplementations, the index fingertip grip zone element 120 can be anelongate raised projection (see FIG. 36D), a plurality of raisedprojections, an elongate recess (see FIG. 36C), a plurality of recessesor a combination thereof. The projection of FIG. 36D provides astructure for engagement with the index fingertip of the player. Theprojection can be formed of an elastomeric material and/or a rigidmaterial. The grip study results of Table 2 indicate that the standarddeviation of the angular location of the index fingertip location on thefootball 110 is quite large, 41.57. Accordingly, a quarterback is likelyto place his index fingertip at across a wide angular dimension. Theraised stitching of the index fingertip grip element 120 addresses thiswide variation by extending along the entire first and second coverpanels 22 and 24. It is important to note that since the football 110 issymmetrical about a central transverse plane and a central longitudinalplane, the fingertip grip locations of the player can occur on theopposite end of the football or on the opposite side of the football110. Accordingly, the index fingertip grip element 120 is positionedadjacent both ends of the football 110, and the index fingertip gripelement 120 extends along the first and second cover panels 22 and 24 onboth ends of the football 110.

In one implementation, the middle fingertip grip element 122 is astitching extending in a transverse direction from the lacing towardeach side of the football 110, when viewed from the top of the ball asshown in FIG. 34. Referring to Table 2, the middle fingertip griplocation was identified as being more consistent from quarterback toquarterback with little variation. The middle fingertip grip element 122extends along the entire location or size of the middle fingertip griplocation. The middle fingertip grip element is spaced apart from thelacing 16 and the strip 18. In other implementations, the middlefingertip grip element 122 can be formed of other structures orconfigurations, similar to the index fingertip grip elements 120illustrated on FIGS. 36C and 36D.

Referring to FIG. 34, in one implementation, the ring fingertip gripelement 124 is formed by a second stitching generally surrounding thelacing 16. Many existing footballs include a single first stitching 160directly adjacent to the lacing 16. The ring fingertip grip element 124includes a second stitching 162 positioned so as to be slightly spacedapart from the first stitching 160. The first and second stitchings 160and 162 form a spaced apart area 164 between the first and secondstitchings 160 and 162. The first and second stitchings 160 and 162 alsoserve as lacing reinforcers and improve the structural integrity of thefootball 110. The quarterback can use the single stitching 160 directlyadjacent to the lacing 16, the second stitching 162 positioned aroundthe lacing 16 and the first stitching 160, and/or the spaced area 164for placement of his ring fingertip onto the football 110. In oneimplementation, the spaced area between the first and second stitchingscan be slightly recessed. In another implementation, the spaced area canbe consistent with the other portions of the cover panels 22 and 24.

Referring to FIG. 36B, the index, middle and ring fingertip gripelements 120, 122 and 124 can have a grip zone element height, H,measured from the base region 80 of the cover panel, such as the secondcover panel 24, to the top-most or outermost surface of the index,middle and/or ring fingertip grip elements 120, 122 and/or 124. In oneimplementation, the grip zone element height His at least 0.030 inch. Inanother implementation, the grip zone element height His at least 0.050inch. In yet another implementation, the grip zone element height His atleast 0.100 inch.

Accordingly, the index, middle and ring fingertip grip elements 120, 122and 124 provide additional structure for use by the quarterback to applyhis index, middle and ring fingertips to the football 110 enabling thequarterback to better control and throw the football. The index, middleand ring fingertip grip elements 120, 122 and 124 maximize gripinteraction between the index, middle and ring fingertips of thequarterback with the football 110. The index, middle and ring fingertipgrip elements 120, 122 and 124 improve the feel of the football 110 whengrasping the football 110, improve the quarterback's ball security andleverage, and improve the quarterback's ability to “flick” the football110 while passing the football 110. The additional structure provided bythe index, middle and ring fingertip grip elements 120, 122 and 124provides the quarterback with a better feel and more control of thefootball enabling the quarterback to throw the football 110 with greateraccuracy and to impart more spin onto the football 110 when throwing thefootball 110. The index, middle and ring fingertip grip elements 120,122 and 124 can also provide aerodynamic advantages by serving asairflow boundary layer trip mechanisms that can improve the flight ofthe thrown or kicked football.

Referring to FIG. 35, in one implementation, the thumb grip location ofquarterbacks occurs on the third or fourth cover panels 26 and 28, andno additional grip structure is added to the football 110 except for thepebbled texture of the cover panels 26 and 28. The absence of additionalstructure on the third and fourth cover panels 26 and 28 keeps thebackside of the football 110 clean and clear of structure so as not tointerfere with kicking or punting of the football or the aerodynamicflight characteristics of the football 110. In other implementations,one or more grip elements can be added to the third and/or fourth coverpanels 26 and 28 for engaging the thumb of a quarterback.

While the preferred implementations of the present invention have beendescribed and illustrated, numerous departures therefrom can becontemplated by persons skilled in the art. Therefore, the presentinvention is not limited to the foregoing description but only by thescope and spirit of the appended claims.

1. An American-style football configured for direct contact with auser's hands, the football comprising: an inflatable prolate spheroidalshaped bladder; at least first, second, third and fourth cover panelscollectively positioned over the bladder, the cover panels being formedof a natural leather and including a pebbled texture, each of the first,second, third and fourth cover panels having an outer surface thatdefines first, second, third and fourth cover panel outer surface areas,at least one of the first, second, third and fourth cover panelsincluding a prep gauge portion extending over at least 5 percent, andless than 80 percent, of the outer surface area of the at least one ofthe first, second, third and fourth cover panels and a non-prep gaugeportion, the non-prep gauge portion having a first color and the prepgauge portion having a second color that is darker than the first color;and a lacing coupled to the first and fourth cover panels.
 2. Thefootball of claim 1, wherein the prep gauge portion is formed by a laserghosting process.
 3. The football of claim 1, wherein the prep gaugeportion extends over at least 10 percent and less than 50 percent of theouter surface area of the at least one of the first, second, third andfourth cover panels.
 4. The football of claim 1, wherein the prep gaugeportion extends over at the first and second cover panels.
 5. Thefootball of claim 4, wherein the prep gauge portion surrounds thelacing.
 6. The football of claim 4, further including at least twostripes coupled to the first and second cover panels, and wherein theprep gauge portion extends along at least one edge of the at least twostripes.
 7. The football of claim 2, wherein the pebbled textureincludes a plurality of spaced apart pebble-like projections extendingfrom a base region, each of the pebble-like projections having a pebbleheight measured from the base region adjacent to the pebble-likeprojection to a top surface of the pebble-like projection.
 8. Thefootball of claim 7, wherein the non-prep gauge portion does not overlapthe prep gauge portion, and wherein the average pebble height of aplurality of the pebble-like projections in the prep gauge portion ofthe at least one of the first, second, third and fourth cover panels isat least 80 percent of the average pebble height of a plurality of thepebble-like projection in the non-prep gauge portion of the at least oneof the first, second, third and fourth cover panels.
 9. (canceled) 10.(canceled)
 11. An American-style football extending about a longitudinalaxis from a first end to a second end, and configured for direct contactwith hands of a user, the football comprising: an inflatable prolatespheroidal shaped bladder; at least first, second, third and fourthcover panels collectively positioned over the bladder, each of the coverpanels have opposing longitudinally extending edges, the cover panelshaving an outer surface and a pebbled texture including a plurality ofspaced apart pebble-like projections extending from a base region, theouter surface of the first and fourth cover panels each including acentral region positioned between opposing end regions; at least twostripes coupled to the first and fourth cover panels, each of thestripes spacing apart one of the end regions from one of the centralregions, each of the stripes having an end region edge and a centralregion edge and transversely extending with respect one of the first andfourth cover panels from one of the longitudinal edges to the other ofthe longitudinal edges; a lacing coupled to the first and fourth coverpanels; at least one index finger grip zone element coupled to at leastone of end regions of the outer surface of at least one of the first andfourth cover panels, the at least one index finger grip zone elementconfigured for engaging an index fingertip of the hand of the user tofacilitate the grasping and throwing of the football, each of the atleast one index finger grip zone elements being a stitching that isspaced apart from one of the end region edges of one of the stripes andspaced apart from one of the first and second ends of the football; andat least one middle finger grip zone element coupled to the centralregion of the outer surface of at least one of the first and fourthcover panels, the at least one middle finger grip zone elementconfigured for engaging a middle fingertip of the hand of the user tofacilitate the grasping and throwing of the football, each of the atleast one middle finger grip zone elements being a stitching that isspaced apart from one of the central region edges of one of the stripes,the index finger grip zone element and the middle finger grip zoneelement each having a grip zone element top surface and a grip zoneelement height of at least 0.030 inch, the grip zone element heightbeing measured from the base region of the pebbled texture to the gripzone element top surface.
 12. The football of claim 11, wherein the gripzone element height is at least 0.050 inch.
 13. The football of claim11, wherein the grip zone element height is at least 0.100 inch.
 14. Thefootball of claim 11, wherein the index finger grip zone element, is astitching.
 15. The football of claim 14, wherein the stitching is spacedapart from one of the stripes and extends in a direction parallel to alongitudinal dimension of the stripe.
 16. The football of claim 11,wherein the at least one index finger grip zone element is two indexfinger grip zones, and wherein one of the index finger grip zones ispositioned on each of the opposing end regions of the outer surface ofthe first cover panel.
 17. The football of claim 11, wherein the atleast one middle finger grip zone is a stitching spaced apart from thelacing.
 18. The football of claim 11, wherein the at least one middlefinger grip zone is at least two middle finger grip zones on the firstcover panel, and at least two middle finger zones on the fourth coverpanel.
 19. The football of claim 11, further comprising at least onering finger grip zone positioned on the central region adjacent to thelacing, and wherein the ring finger grip zone element has a ring fingergrip zone element top surface and a ring finger grip zone element heightof at least 0.030 inch.
 20. The football of claim 19, wherein the atleast one ring finger grip zone is at least one stitching extendingaround the lacing.
 21. The football of claim 11, wherein the coverpanels are formed of a natural leather, wherein the first and fourthcover panels have an outer surface that defines first and fourth coverpanel outer surface areas, and wherein each of the first and fourthcover panels include a prep gauge portion extending over at least 5percent, and less than 80 percent, of the outer surface area of the atleast one of the first and fourth cover panels.
 22. The football ofclaim 21, wherein the prep gauge portion is formed by a laser ghostingprocess.
 23. The football of claim 22, wherein each of the pebble-likeprojections has a pebble height measured from the base region adjacentto the pebble-like projection to a top surface of the pebble-likeprojection, and wherein the average pebble height of a plurality of thepebble-like projections in the prep gauge portion of the first andfourth cover panels is at least 80 percent of the average pebble heightof a plurality of the pebble-like projection in a non-prep gauge portionof the first and fourth cover panels.
 24. The football of claim 11,wherein each of the index finger grip zone elements extends in adirection parallel to the end region edge of one of the stripes from oneof the longitudinal edges to the other of the longitudinal edges of oneof the first and fourth cover panels.
 25. The football of claim 11,wherein a majority of the length of the middle finger grip zone elementextending in a direction parallel to the central region edge.